By Jim Misunas
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ROZEL — An accident has claimed the life of a Golden Valley Inc. employee at the Rozel Grain Facility.
Rosendo “Manny” Ceniceros of Rozel was killed in an accident at 9:47 a.m. Wednesday.
Survivors include his wife Luz Elena Flores, a son, Rosendo Jr.; daughters, Lydia Ceniceros, Luz Elena Ceniceros, Teresa Ceniceros, and Naida Ruiz; and 10 grandchildren.
A vigil is scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday with a funeral scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Kinsley. Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at McKillip Funeral Home, Kinsley.
Few details were offered by the company, although Golden Valley Inc. general manager Ed Taylor issued a press release on the incident:
“On June 22, 2011, Golden Valley, Inc. lost a valuable employee, Mr. Rosendo Ceniceros. He was a resident of the community of Rozel and an employee at the Rozel Grain Facility.
“On the morning of June 22, “Manny” was involved in a tragic accident that claimed his life. The management, employees and patrons of Golden Valley would like to offer our heartfelt sympathies to Manny’s family and friends.
“The company, local authorities and OSHA are currently investigating this tragic accident.”
Larned EMS and firefighters, Burdett EMS and firefighters and Rozel firefighters responded to the accident. A spokesman for the Pawnee County sheriff’s department declined to comment about the accident.
Judy Freeman, OHSA area director said a business, by law, must notify OHSA within eight hours of a death in a work-related accident.
“We are investigating it and will try to determine if there are any violatons,” Freeman said. “Compliance officers will visit the site and interview any witnesses and see whether they are any violations of OHSA standards.”
If a business has violated an OHSA standard, Freeman said compliance officers take enforcement action, which may involve levying a fine.
Golden Valley, Inc. is a farmer-owned grain and supply cooperative formed December 1, 2001 by the consolidation of Golden Plains Cooperative of Rozel and Sanford, Farmers Coop Grain and Supply of Burdett and Tri-Ag Coop of Sanford. Current estimates show Golden Valley Inc. features annual revenue of $10 to 20 million.